Iowa
Working families in Iowa need accessible, affordable, quality child care and early learning opportunities for their children.
Currently, federal and state early learning programs reach thousands of young children and their families in Iowa. But too many working families in Iowa are missing out. As a direct result of child care issues, the Iowa economy loses millions of dollars each year in the form of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.
There are 230K children ages 5 and under in Iowa – 74% of these children have all available parents in the workforce.
The typical annual cost of child care for an infant in Iowa is around $12,000.
The Child Care and Development Block Grant only reaches 14% of eligible families in Iowa. (This federal program helps low-income parents afford child care.)
On average, child care providers in Iowa earn just $25,880 a year; this can make it a challenge to recruit and retain this workforce, leading to supply issues.
Iowa’s economy loses $1.1B annually due to child care challenges
Iowa: In The Headlines
Child Care Desert Threatens Families, Workforce, and Growth in Mahaska County
Oskaloosa News | AUGUST 27, 2025
In Mahaska County, more than three children compete for every available child care slot, a shortage so severe it has branded the community a “child care desert” for at least 15 years.
Letter: Hinson should support child care legislation
Telegraph Herald | April 25, 2025
Expanding tax credits like the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) would put more money in parents’ pockets for child care.
The ups and the downs: SE Iowa providers navigate child care, pre-K challenges
Otummwa Courier | MaY 31, 2025
Welcome to the world of child care and preschool in southeast Iowa.
Iowa Resources & News
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